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(11) | EP 3 204 987 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MITIGATE SIDE LOBES WITH AN ANTENNA ARRAY VORRICHTUNG, SYSTEM UND VERFAHREN ZUR ABSCHWÄCHUNG VON NEBENKEULEN MIT EINER GRUPPENANTENNE DISPOSITIF, SYSTÈME ET PROCÉDÉ POUR ATTÉNUER DES LOBES LATÉRAUX D'UN RÉSEAU D'ANTENNES |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to signal transmission devices. More particularly, certain embodiments include, but are not limited to, an antenna array configured to provide a signal phase difference.
2. Background Art
[0002] Various directional antenna systems, including flat panel antennae with limited apertures, exhibit a response outside a main beam, known as side lobes. During radio frequency (RF) reception, side lobes can cause unintended reception of adjacent satellite signals. During RF transmission, side lobes can cause unintended interference with other RF signals on adjacent satellites. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the levels of these side lobes.
[0003] A width of the main beam and the size of side lobes are indicative of antenna performance characteristics. More particularly, a relatively narrow main beam and small side lobes correspond to better directional transmission characteristics. In the case of radio communications, good directional transmission enables more selective communication with a target device and/or better distinguishing by the target device of one transmitter from another nearby transmitter.
[0004] In a typical example of a conventional flat panel traveling-wave antenna array, multiple identical waveguides (channels), arranged in parallel with each other, variously transmit respective signals. Radiating elements of these waveguides generate identical sets of side lobes. As a result, the side lobes constructively interfere with one another (sum together), producing significant side lobe levels.
[0005] As the number and variety of devices in different environments continue to grow, the amount of wireless communication traffic in such environments will only increase over time. Accordingly, there is expected to be greater value placed on incremental improvements in the suppression of side lobe signal components for directional antenna transmissions.
[0006] US 6 429 825 B1 describes a cavity slot antenna array for a communications system such as a wireless network.
[0007] US 4 475 107 A describes a microstrip line antenna which comprises a dielectric substrate having a ground plate formed on one surface thereof and at least a pair of stripline conductors bent periodically on the other surface to be applied a travelling-wave.
[0008] EP 0159 301 A1 describes an electrically controlled aerial array with a main lobe which may be controlled by varying the phases in the included aerial elements.
[0009] US 3 560 975 A describes an aircraft antenna array, the array being designed to implement a spatial aerial navigation method based upon the continuous or periodic plotting of the aircraft's position in relation to two points fixed in space, which points may be located outside the earth's atmosphere.
[0010] GB 881 748 A describes a radiant energy system for radiating and receiving electromagnetic energy including an antenna, a receiver and first control means for modulating the electromagnetic energy fed to the antenna.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To solve the problems of the related art, an antenna array, a system and a method at an antenna array are provided having the features of claims 1, 4 and 5. Preferable embodiments may include the additional features in accordance with one or more of the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The various embodiments of the present invention comprise an antenna that includes media extending partially along the length of the antenna and are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating elements of a system to transmit a signal according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating elements of a method for operating an antenna array according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view and a top view of an antenna array to transmit a signal according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional views of respective antenna arrays each to transmit a signal according to a corresponding embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating elements of a method to determine phase differential information according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6A shows top views of respective antenna arrays each to transmit a signal according to a corresponding embodiment.
FIG. 6B shows cross-sectional views of respective antenna arrays each to transmit a signal according to a corresponding embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating elements of a platform to operate an antenna array according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Embodiments described herein variously provide techniques and/or mechanisms to transmit signals with an antenna array. In an embodiment, an antenna array includes a first antenna and a second antenna, where a first signal is provided at a first input of the first antenna while a second signal is provided at a second input of the second antenna. Signal emission from the first antenna and the second antenna is characterized by a phase differential other than a phase differential corresponding to the first input and the second input. For example, as the first signal and the second signal variously propagate away from the first input and the second input, respectively, the first antenna and the second antenna passively induce a change in a phase differential between the first signal and the second signal. As a result, side lobe characteristics is mitigated for electromagnetic (EM) emissions from the array. A phase difference between respective portions of the first signal and the second signal is emitted from the first antenna and second antenna respectively, wherein a passively-induced phase difference between these portions facilitates destructive interference of the first signal and the second signal with each other and/or with other signals that might be concurrently transmitted with the antenna array.
[0014] Embodiments described herein variously provide for multiple antennae (channels) of an antenna array to each emit the same main beam energy, so that respective main beams of the channels sum across the array. However, some or all such channels may each emit a slightly different side lobe pattern. This difference between side lobe patterns is achieved at least in part by different respective physical characteristics of various antennae - e.g., where such different characteristics induce one or more signal phase changes.
[0015] Differences in physical characteristics of antennae include lengths of propagation media having different dielectric properties. A delay of a signal - and a corresponding phase shift of that signal - is provided by a change in dielectric material along the length of an antenna. In an embodiment, an antenna includes multiple sections of different propagation media to induce successive wave propagation rate changes along the length of the antenna.
[0016] In one embodiment, phase differentials between antennae of an array may avoid modes or other constructive interference patterns by the array. For example, the array may provide a set of phase differences each between a respective pair of antennae. The set of phase differences may be chosen to avoid any two phase differences being integer multiples of one another. By way of illustration and not limitation, a distribution of phase differentials may be according to a distribution analogous to the "Circle of Fifths" for musical tones.
[0017] The Circle of Fifths provides an audio frequency corollary to phase differentiation according to one embodiment, wherein a middle C note is at 256 Hz, and the G note above middle C is 1.5 times that frequency. Each successive tone in the Circle of Fifths (C, G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, F) is 1.5 times that of the preceding tone. In an analogous application to difference values for phase differentials according to an embodiment, values may be variously divided - e.g., by 2, one or more several times as necessary - to facilitate placement of a set of corresponding difference values each in a 0° to 360° (0 to 2n radian) range.
[0018] Certain features of various embodiments are discussed herein with respect to an antenna array that is to operate as a transmitter, where antennas of the array are each provided with a respective signal that propagates along a length of that array. The antenna array may induce a difference between phase differentials each for a given pair of signals to be variously transmitted from the array.
[0019] Certain features of various embodiments are discussed herein with respect to an antenna array that induces a difference between phase differentials each for a given pair of signals that are to be transmitted from the antenna array. However, in some embodiments, a difference in phase differentials may be additionally induced at circuitry that is coupled to the antenna array. By way of illustration and not limitation, transmitter circuitry may be coupled to such an antenna array, the circuitry to exchange different signals each with a respective antenna of the antenna array. The circuitry may selectively delay or otherwise offset a phase of one or more such signals to provide for a difference between phase differentials each for a given pair of signals. Such a phase offset may be distinguishable from phase modulation schemes, for example, at least insofar as the phase offset may be a static, unchanging offset applied throughout a communication exchange. The phase differentials aid in mitigating side lobes of a signal to be transmitted by the array and/or mitigate the effects of side lobes in a signal that has been received by the array.
[0020] In the following description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments, but the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0021] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates elements of a system 100 to transmit a signal with an antenna array according to an embodiment. System 100 may include any of a variety of radio, radar and/or other transmission devices. System 100 is one example of an embodiment wherein a signal is variously split into a plurality of component signals including a first signal and a second signal, where a first antenna of an antenna array is configured to be provided with the first signal concurrent with a second antenna of the antenna array being provided with the second signal. In an embodiment, propagation of the first signal in the first antenna, and propagation of the second signal in the second antenna, results in different phase differentials each between the first signal and the second signal.
[0023] In the illustrative embodiment shown, system 100 includes an antenna array 110 comprising a plurality of antennae - e.g., such as the illustrative antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n. The particular number of antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n, and their particular configuration with respect to one another, is merely illustrative, and not limiting on some embodiments. Antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n may be configured each to transmit a respective one or more signals provided, for example, by a splitter 130. In an embodiment, system 100 includes a source 120 - e.g., a radio signal source or a radar signal source - coupled to provide to splitter 130 a signal 122 that, for example, represents information to be communicated from system 100 via antenna array 110 to a remote device (not shown). Based on signal 122, splitter 130 may generate a set 132 of signals to be variously transmitted each with a different respective antenna of antenna array 110. By way of illustration and not limitation, generation of set 132 may include variously splitting power of signal 122, and outputting portions of such power each as a respective one of signals 134a, 134b,..., 134n.
[0024] Antenna array 110 is an example of an antenna array configured to mitigate side lobes according to an embodiment. Antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n each include a respective waveguide structure and a propagation media (not shown) disposed therein. In the example embodiment shown, respective inputs 116a, 116b,..., 116n of antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n are each coupled to be provided from splitter 130 a respective one of signals 134a, 134b,..., 134n. Subsequently, signals 134a, 134b,..., 134n variously propagate away from inputs 116a, 116b,..., 116n each along the length of a respective one of antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n.
[0025] Antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n may include emitters variously configured to emit portions of signals 134a, 134b,..., 134n for transmission. By way of illustration and not limitation, emitters 114a may be variously disposed along a length of antenna 112a, where different portions of signal 134a are to variously propagate to, and through, respective ones of emitters 114a. Emitters 114a may provide openings, apertures or other such structures to allow a signal pass-through at a sidewall in the waveguide of antenna 112a (where the signal propagates between sidewalls of the waveguide toward a far end of the waveguide). Similarly, emitters 114b may be additionally or alternatively disposed along antenna 112b to variously emit portions of signal 134b, and/or emitters 114c disposed along antenna 112c may be variously configured to emit portions of signal 134c.
[0026] Although certain embodiments are not limited in this regard, some or all of emitters 114a, 114b,..., 114n may be variously controllable to shape the form of a beam generated with antenna array 110. For example, system 100 may further comprise a pattern generator 140 including logic (e.g., circuitry and/or software) configured to determine a transmission pattern to be provide with antenna array 110. The pattern may be described by or otherwise communicated to drive electronics 150 based on pattern information 142 from pattern generator 140.
[0027] Based on pattern information 142, drive electronics 150 may generate a set 152 of control signals to regulate signal emission from antenna array 110. By way of illustration and not limitation, set 152 may include control signals 154a, 154b,..., 154n to be received, respectively, at antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n. In response to control signals 154a, 154b,..., 154n, antennae 112a, 112b,..., 112n may selectively open and/or close various respective ones of emitters 114a, 114b,..., 114n. Such selectively control of emitters 114a, 114b,..., 114n may enable shaping of a waveform - e.g., where such shaping is performed in concert with signal power allocation by splitting 130.
[0028] Certain embodiments variously provide for a difference between two phase differentials, where such difference is a result of signal propagating in antenna having different respective configurations. As used herein, "phase differential" refers to a difference, at a particular time, between the respective phases of two signals each propagating in a different respective antenna of an antenna array. A phase of a signal may depend on a location in the antenna - e.g., where, at a particular time under consideration, the signal in question has a first phase value at a particular location along a length of a given antenna.
[0029] In an embodiment, propagation of two signals in different respective antennae, in combination with different respective configurations of such antennae, results in a difference between phase differentials for different locations of the antennae. By way of illustration and not limitation, at some time t1, signal 134a may have a phase ϕ11 at input 116a, while signal 134b may have a concurrent phase ϕ12 at input 116b. A phase differential, corresponding to time t1, between inputs 116a, 116b may thus be Δϕ1 = (ϕ12 - ϕ11). Between time t1 and a later time t2, signal 134a may propagate away from input 116a and toward one of emitters 114a, where signal 134b concurrently propagates away from input 116b and toward one of emitters 114b. At time t2, signal 134a may have a phase ϕ21 at a location other than input 116a - e.g., where signal 134b has a phase ϕ22 a location other than input 116b. Thus, a corresponding phase differential, for time t2, between such locations of antennae 112a, 112b, may be Δϕ2 = (ϕ22 - ϕ21). Although certain embodiments are not limited in this regard, either of Δϕ2 and Δϕ1 may be zero, a negative value or a positive value.
[0030] In an embodiment, ϕ21 corresponds to a particular one of emitters 114a and/or to a particular distance from input 116a. Additionally or alternatively, ϕ22 may correspond to a particular one of emitters 114b and/or to a particular distance from input 116b. For example, ϕ21 may correspond to an emitter that is the Nth closest one of emitters 114a to input 116a (where N is a positive integer), and ϕ22 may correspond to an emitter that is the Nth closest one of emitters 114b to input 116b. In such a scenario, a difference between Δϕ2 and Δϕ1 may be based at least in part on a difference between a configuration of antenna 112a and a configuration of antenna 112b. Such a difference between Δϕ2 and Δϕ1 may be independent, for example, of any changing phase of signal 134a over time and/or independent of any changing phase of signal 134b over time. For example, the difference between Δϕ2 and Δϕ1 attributable to the different configurations of antennae 112a, 112b may be in addition to, but distinguishable from, any other change in phase difference that might be the result of phase modulation of signal 134a and/or signal 134b.
[0031] By way of illustration and not limitation, a difference (Δϕ2 - Δϕ1) may result at least in part from emitters 114a having a distribution along antenna 112a that is different than a distribution of emitters 114b having along antenna 112b. For example, a total number of emitters 114a may be different than a total number of emitters 114b. Additionally or alternatively, antennae 112a, 112b may have different respective overall lengths and/or a distance of input 116a from an Nth one of emitters 114a may be different than a distance of input 116b from an Nth one of emitters 114b. In some embodiments, an arrangement of one or more propagation materials in antenna 112a is different than an arrangement of one or more propagation materials in antenna 112b.
[0032] Antenna array 110 may include any of a variety of combinations of fewer, more and/or different antennae, according to different embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, certain embodiment may vary with respect to the number of emitters on any one antenna of array 110, and/or the positions of emitters on various antennae.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows elements of a method 200 to operate an antenna array according to an embodiment. Method 200 may provide for operation of antenna array 110 and/or other components of system 100, for example. Antennae of the array may each include a respective waveguide structure and one or more propagation media disposed therein. Such antennae may each further comprise respective emitters variously formed in or on the waveguide structure. Although certain embodiments are not limited in this regard, some or all such emitters may be operable to selectively open or close in response to control signaling.
[0034] In an embodiment, method 200 includes, at 210, receiving, at a first time, a first signal at a first input of a first antenna. Method 200 may further comprise, at 220, receiving, at the first time, a second signal at a second input of a second antenna. By way of illustration and not limitation, the receiving at 210 may include input 116a receiving signal 134a, where the receiving at 220 includes input 116b receiving signal 134b.
[0035] At 230, method 200 may include propagating the first signal at a first emitter of the first antenna. A portion of the signal may propagate through the first emitter, although certain embodiments are not limited in this regard. Of all emitters of the first antenna, the first emitter may be an Nth closest emitter to the first input, wherein N is a positive integer. For example, the first emitter may be the Nth emitter in a sequence of a first plurality of emitters from along a path extending from the first input along a length of the first antenna - e.g., where the first signal is to propagate along said path.
[0036] Method 200 may further comprises, at 240, propagating the second signal at a second emitter of the second antenna - e.g., wherein, of all emitters of the second antenna, the second emitter is an Nth closest emitter to the second input. In an embodiment, a difference between a configuration of the first antenna and a configuration of the second antenna contributes to a difference between a first phase differential, at the first time, between the first signal at the first input and the second signal at the second input and a second phase differential, at a second time, between the first signal at the first emitter and the second signal at the second emitter.
[0037] For example, the difference between the first phase differential and the second phase differential may be based at least in part on a first difference between a distance of the first emitter from the first input, and a distance of the second emitter from the second input. By way of illustration and not limitation, the first difference may be equal to or greater than a width of the first emitter (or alternatively, greater than a width of the second emitter). In an embodiment, the first distance may be at least three (3) times - e.g., five (5) times or more than - the width of an emitter.
[0038] In the embodiments, the difference between the first phase differential and the second phase differential is based at least in part on different arrangements of respective propagation media of the first antenna and the second antenna having different configurations of respective propagation media. For example, the first antenna may comprise a first medium disposed between the first input and the first emitter, where the second antenna comprises a second medium disposed between the second input and the second emitter. The first signal may propagate from the first input to the first emitter via the first medium, and the second signal may propagate from the second input to the second emitter via the second medium. In such an embodiment, the difference between the first phase differential and the second phase differential may be based at least in part on a difference between a permittivity of the first medium and a permittivity of the second medium.
[0039] Such embodiments are merely some examples of how a difference between respective characteristics, intrinsic to antennae, may give rise to a change in phase differential as respective signals propagate through such antennae. Such changes in phase differential may be said to be passively induced, at least insofar as they are not the result of phase changes due to circuitry that is coupled to, and drives transmission by, the antenna array.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates elements of an antenna array 300 to transmit signals according to an example useful for understanding the present invention. Antenna array 300 may include some or all features of antenna array 110, for example. In an example useful for understanding the present invention, operation of antenna array 300 is performed according to method 200.
[0041] In the example useful for understanding the present invention shown, antenna array 300 includes a plurality of antennae each including a respective waveguide structure and a propagation medium disposed therein. By way of illustration and not limitation, array 300 may include antennae 310, 320, 330 comprising respective waveguide structures 312, 322, 332 and respective dielectric structures 314, 324, 334 variously disposed therein. Although certain examples are not limited in this regard, waveguide structures 312, 322, 332 may each be straight and arranged in parallel with each other.
[0042] Signals 350 may be variously provided to antennae 310, 320, 330 - e.g., from power splitter circuitry (not shown) coupled thereto. Antennae 310, 320, 330 may further comprise respective emitters 340 variously distributed each on a respective one of waveguide structures 312, 322, 332. Control signals 360 may be further coupled, in some examples, to selectively determine how signal power is to be variously output from different ones of emitters 340.
[0043] Antenna array 300 is one example of an array, according to an example useful for understanding the present invention, including two antennae to concurrently be provided with different respective signals for transmission, where a difference between respective physical characteristics of the antennae results in a difference between phase differentials (each phase differential between the two signals). The top view 305 of antenna array 300 shows one example of various physical differences - between different pairs of antennae 310, 320, 330 - that variously facilitate differences in phase differentials for different pairs of signals 350.
[0044] As shown in 305, respective inputs 316, 326, 336 of 310, 320, 330 may be coupled each to receive a different respective one of signals 350. Two or more of antennae 310, 320, 330 may vary from one another at least with respect to a total numbers of emitters and/or a distribution of emitters. By way of illustration and not limitation, respective inputs 316, 326, 336 of antennae 310, 320, 330 may each be coupled to receive a respective one of signals 350. Inputs 316, 326, 336 may be aligned with each other, for example, along a line x0. In such an embodiment, an emitter of antenna 310 that is closest to input 316 may be offset from input 316 by a distance c1, where two other emitters of antenna 310 are variously offset by distances c2, c3. Additionally or alternatively, an emitter of antenna 320 that is closest to input 326 may be offset from input 326 by a distance b1 (e.g., different than c1), where three other emitters of antenna 320 are variously offset by distances b2, b3, b4. In some examples, an emitter of antenna 330 that is closest to input 336 may be offset from input 336 by a distance a1 (which may be equal to, or different than, c1), where two other emitters of antenna 330 are variously offset by distances a2, a3.
[0045] Due to variation between the respective total number of emitters for antennae 310, 320, 330 (and/or due to variation between the respective distributions of such emitters) antenna array 300 may provide for a different phase differentials each between two signals - e.g., wherein a phase differential changes along the length of antennae as said signals variously propagate each in a respective one of antennae 310, 320, 330. For example, an amount of a phase differential for signals at inputs 316, 326 (e.g., the amount being zero) may be different than an amount of a phase differential for such signals at respective corresponding emitters of antennae 310, 320.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional top views of antenna arrays 400, 450 each to transmit signals according to a corresponding embodiment and an example useful for understanding the present invention. One or each of antenna arrays 400, 450 may include features of antenna arrays 110, 300 - e.g. where operation of antenna array 400 or antenna array 450 is performed according to method 200.
[0047] Antenna arrays 400, 450 illustrate an embodiment and an example useful for understanding the present invention that variously provide for change in signal phase differentials between two (or more) antennae, where the change is due in part to the propagation of signals, in respective antennae, through different dielectric structures. In the illustrative embodiment of array 400, respective inputs 418, 428 of antennae 410, 420 are coupled each to receive a respective signal. Inputs 418, 428 may be aligned with one another along a line x1 that, for example, is perpendicular to a direction of alignment of antennae 410, 420. Although certain embodiments are not limited in this regard, antennae 410, 420 may have the same number and arrangement of respective emitters. For example, offsets xa, xb, xc, xd from line x0 may variously define locations of the respective emitters of antennae 410, 420.
[0048] In an embodiment, a dielectric 424, disposed in a waveguide structure 422 of antenna 420, has a first permittivity and extends along the entire length of antenna 420. By contrast, a dielectric 414 and a dielectric 416, disposed in a waveguide structure 412 of antenna 410, variously extend each only partially along the length of antenna 410, where each of dielectric 414 and dielectric 416 has a respective permittivity other than the first permittivity. Due to variation between the respective dielectric structures of antennae 410, 420, an amount of a phase difference for signals at respective ones of inputs 418, 428 may be different - e.g., less than - a phase difference for the same signals at respective ones of the emitters at offset xa (for example).
[0049] In the example of array 450, an antenna 460 includes a waveguide structure 462 and a dielectric material 464 disposed therein, wherein dielectric material 464 extends the entire length of antenna 460. Additionally or alternatively, an antenna 470 of array 450 may include a waveguide structure 472 and a dielectric material 474 disposed therein, wherein dielectric material 474 extends the entire length of antenna 470. A permittivity of dielectric material 464 may be equal to that of dielectric material 474.
[0050] Inputs 468, 478 of antennae 460, 470 may be variously coupled each to receive a respective signal. Respective emitters of antennae 460, 470 may have the same total number and may have the same arrangement relative to one another - e.g., where offsets xa, xb, xc, xd variously define distances between pairs of such emitters. However, inputs 468, 478 may be offset by different respective distances each from a respective closest emitter. For example, inputs 468, 478 may be aligned with respective lines x2a, x2b that are offset from one another by a distance Δx. Whereas offset xa separates input 478 from a closest emitter of antenna 470, a greater distance (Δx + xa) separates input 468 from a closest emitter of antenna 460. Due to variation between the respective dielectric structures of antennae 460, 470, an amount of a phase difference for signals at respective ones of inputs 468, 478 may be different - e.g., less than - a phase difference for the same signals at the respective Nth emitters closest to inputs 468, 478.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates elements of a method 500 for determining, according to an embodiment, a set of differences - each between a respective pair of phase differentials - to be provided with an antenna array. Design of an antenna array with method 500 may mitigate constructive interference between side lobes from different respective pairs of antennae in the array. Such an array may include one of arrays 110, 300, 400, 450, for example.
[0052] Method 500 may comprise, at 505, setting respective values for variables and constants used to determine a set of difference values. In the illustrative embodiment shown, values w and y represent, respectively, a total number of difference values (Δs) to be determined by method 500, and a phase difference variable. Values x1, x2, x3 are constant values to be used in recursive processing with the value y.
[0053] At 510 of method 500, a counter value i may be set to an initial value (e.g., 1), where i represents a count of the current loop of method 500 (e.g., the loop to be not more than the value of w). At 515, the value y is multiplied by x1, and an evaluation is made at 515 as to whether the resulting value of y is greater than x2. The value of y may be divided at 525 by scale factor x3 - one or more times, as necessary - until y is less than (or equal to) x2. In response to the value of y being less than (or equal to) x2, method 500 may, at 530, set a value for the ith difference Δ(i) - e.g., by setting Δ(i) equal to 360(y-1). If it is determined at 535 that additional difference values are to be calculated, method 500 may increment the counter value i, at 540, and return to another multiplication of y by x1, at 515. Otherwise, method 500 may finish if all difference values have been calculated.
[0054] Method 500 may enable mitigation of constructive interference between signals variously emitted by an antenna array. For example, method 500 may generate a set of difference values, where, for a given difference value, none of the difference values is an integer multiple of that difference value. This may aid in the set of phase difference characteristics providing a pseudo-random distribution of differences between phase differentials.
[0055] FIG. 5 further shows pseudocode 550 for one implementation of method 500 according to an embodiment. In the example of pseudocode 550, the constant totalΔs corresponds to the value w, and the constant basis corresponds to the value x1. Furthermore, y is equal to 1, and x2 and x3 are both equal to 2. The example embodiment of pseudocode 550 represents a corollary to a modified version of the Circle of Fifths distribution of musical notes.
[0056] Method 500 is one example of an algorithm to generate a set of difference values wherein, for each difference value of the set, the difference value corresponds to (e.g., is based on) a respective quotient of a respective first value and a second value (x3) raised to a first respective power. The respective first value is equal to a product of a third value (y) and a fourth value (x1) raised to a second respective power. Based on the values - e.g., where x3 is not an even integer multiple of x1 - such a set of difference values may provide for a pseudo-random distribution of phase differentials in the 0° to 360° (0 to 2π radian) range.
[0057] FIG. 6A shows top views of antenna arrays 600, 630 to variously transmit respective signals each according to a corresponding embodiment. Antenna arrays 600, 630 variously include features such as those of antenna array 400 and/or the antenna arrays as defined by the appended claims 1-4 - e.g. where operation of antenna array 600 and/or antenna array 630 is performed according to method 200.
[0058] In an embodiment, system 600 includes antennae 602, 604, 606, where respective inputs 612, 614, 616 of antennae 602, 604, 606 are coupled each to receive a respective signal. Different respective configurations of antennae 602, 604, 606 may provide for changes in phase differentials between such signals. Such changes may be provided by different dielectric structures in antennae 602, 604, 606, different respective arrangements of emitters 608 in array 600 and/or the like. In one embodiment, constructive interference may be further mitigated by one or more curved shapes of antennae 602, 604, 606. Such curved shapes may break up a symmetry and/or alignment between different emitted signals that might otherwise contribute to the size of side lobes.
[0059] In another embodiment, system 630 includes antennae 632, 634, 636, 638, where respective inputs 642, 644, 646, 648 of antennae 632, 634, 636, 638 are coupled each to receive a respective signal. Similar to array 600, for example, different respective configurations of antennae 632, 634, 636, 638 may provide for changes in phase differentials between signals. In one embodiment, side lobe elements may be further mitigated by variously offsetting inputs 642, 644, 646, 648 from one another along a direction of alignment for antennae 632, 634, 636, 638. For example, inputs 642, 644, 646, 648 may be variously located at different positions - e.g., on alternate ones of lines x3a, x3b. Such linear offsetting of antennae 632, 634, 636, 638 may aid in avoiding regions of constructive interference along the sides of array 630. Any of a variety of additional or alternative positions of fewer antenna inputs or more antenna inputs may be provided, according to different embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 6B shows cross-sectional end views of antenna arrays 650, 660, 670 to transmit respective signals each according to a corresponding embodiment. Antenna arrays 650, 660, 670 variously include features such as those of antenna array 400 and/or of the antenna arrays as defined by the appended claims 1-4. In an embodiment, some or all of antenna arrays 650, 660, 670 may be variously operated according to method 200.
[0061] In an embodiment, array 650 includes antennae 654, the respective bottom sides of which are variously positioned along a curved arc 652. Different respective configurations of antennae 654 - e.g., including different dielectric structures, different respective numbers of emitters and/or positions of emitters, etc. - may provide for different phase differentials between signals variously propagated in antennae 654. Positioning of antennae 654 along curved arc 652 may further reduce the possibility of areas where signals emitted by array 650 constructively interfere with one another.
[0062] In another embodiment, array 660 includes antennae 664, the respective bottom sides of which are parallel to one another, but which are variously positioned each on a respective one of flat planes 662a, 662b. Different respective configurations of antennae 664 may passively induce changes in phase differentials, as discussed herein. The various positioning of antennae 664 on respective ones of flat planes 662a, 662b may aid in breaking up regions of constructive interference near array 660. Any of a variety of additional or alternative positions of antennas along respective flat planes and/or curved planes may be provided, according to different embodiments.
[0063] In another embodiment, array 670 includes antennae 674 which have different respective orientations and elevations with respect to a flat plane 672. In addition to changes in phase differentials that might be induced passively by antennae 674, the different respective elevations and orientations of antennae 674 may further reduce the possibility of constructive interfere for signals emitted by array 670.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates elements of a platform 700 including an antenna array 780 according to an embodiment. Platform 700 may comprise a hardware platform of a desktop computer, laptop computer, handheld device (e.g., smart phone, palmtop computer, etc.) game console or other such system. Antenna array 780 may include a plurality of antennae having features variously discussed herein. Transmit circuitry such as the illustrative Tx/Rx circuitry 775 of platform 700 (which, in some embodiments, further comprises receive circuitry), may comprise circuitry coupled to operate as a signal source for antenna array 780. A controller 770 may include circuitry to exchange control signals with antenna array 780 - e.g., where emitters of the plurality of antennae are variously operated by controller 770 in response to such a signal exchange. Tuning and/or operation of antenna array 780 may include operations adapted from conventional emitter control/signaling techniques, which are not detailed herein and are not limiting on certain embodiments.
[0065] In an embodiment, antenna array 780 serves as an antenna or other mechanism to facilitate communication on behalf of a host of platform 700. By way of illustration and not limitation, such a host may include one or more processors, such as the illustrative processor 710. One or more interconnects, as represented by the illustrative bus 720, may couple processor 710 to controller 770, Tx/Rx circuitry 775 and/or one or more components of platform 700.
[0066] In an embodiment, such one or more components may include a memory system 730 comprising a memory controller 732 and a memory device 734 (e.g., a dynamic random access memory). Memory device 734 may store instructions, data and/or other information that, for example, support execution of an operating system or other software by processor 710. A storage 740 of platform 700 - e.g., including a hard disk drive and/or a solid state drive - may provide non-volatile storage of data to be made available to processor 710. In an embodiment, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 750 - e.g., including a touchscreen, touchpad, keyboard, speaker, network interface and/or the like - may support exchanges to and/or from the platform 700 that are based on and/or determine signal exchanges via antenna array 780.
[0067] Techniques and architectures for transmitting electromagnetic signals are described herein. In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that certain embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the description.
[0068] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0069] Some portions of the detailed description herein are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the computing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0070] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0071] Certain embodiments also relate to apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and coupled to a computer system bus.
[0072] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description herein. In addition, certain embodiments are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of such embodiments as described herein.
a plurality of antennae each configured to emit a main beam energy so that respective main beams of the plurality of antennae sum across the antenna array (400), the plurality of antennae including a first antenna (420) and a second antenna (410), the first antenna (420) including a first waveguide (422) with a first input (428) configured to receive a first signal at a first time, the first antenna (420) further including a first plurality of emitters including a first emitter, the first waveguide (422) arranged to propagate the first signal to the first plurality of emitters, wherein, of all emitters of the first plurality of emitters, the first emitter is an Nth closest emitter to the first input (428), wherein N is a positive integer; and
the second antenna (410) including a second waveguide (412) with a second input (418) configured to receive a second signal at the first time, the second antenna (410) further including a second plurality of emitters including a second emitter, the second waveguide (412) arranged to propagate the second signal to the second plurality of emitters, wherein, of all emitters of the second plurality of emitters, the second emitter is an Nth closest emitter to the second input (418);
wherein a first phase difference between the first signal when at the first input (428) and the second signal when at the second input (418) is different from a second phase difference between the first signal, at a second time, when at the first emitter and the second signal, at the second time, when at the second emitter,
wherein a difference between the first and second phase differences is configured to mitigate side lobes created by signals transmitted from the first and second antennae (410, 420);
wherein the first antenna (420) comprises a first medium (424) having a first permittivity disposed in the first waveguide (422) and extending along the entire length of the first antenna; and
wherein the second antenna (410) comprises a second medium (414) and a third medium (416) extending partially along the length of the second antenna, the third medium and the second medium having a second permittivity and a third permittivity respectively, the second permittivity and the third permittivity being other than the first permittivity; and
wherein the difference between the first phase difference and the second phase difference is based at least in part on differences between the first permittivity and both the second and the third permittivity.
an antenna array (400) according to any of the claims 1; and
a splitter (130) coupled to the first antenna (420), the splitter comprising circuitry configured to split a third signal into a plurality of signals including the first signal and the second signal.
receiving, at a first time, a first signal at a first input (428) of a first antenna (420) of a plurality of antennae that each emit a main beam energy so that respective main beams of the plurality of antennae sum across the antenna array;
receiving, at the first time, a second signal at a second input (418) of a second antenna (410) of the plurality of antennae;
propagating the first signal through a first waveguide (422) of the first antenna (420) to a first plurality of emitters including a first emitter of the first plurality of emitters, wherein, of all emitters of the first plurality of emitters, the first emitter is an Nth closest emitter to the first input (428), wherein N is a positive integer; and
propagating the second signal through a second waveguide (412) of the second antenna (410) to a second plurality of emitters including a second emitter of the second antenna (410), wherein, of all emitters of the second plurality of emitters, the second emitter is an Nth closest emitter to the second input (418),
wherein a first phase difference between the first signal when at the first input (428) and the second signal when at the second input (418) is different from a second phase difference between the first signal, at a second time, when at the first emitter and the second signal, at the second time, when at the second emitter,
wherein a difference between the first and second phase differences is configured to mitigate side lobes created by signals transmitted from the first and second antennae (410, 420),
wherein the first antenna (420) comprises a first medium (424) having a first permittivity disposed in the first waveguide (422) and extending along the entire length of the first antenna;
wherein the second antenna (410) comprises a second medium (414) and a third medium (416) extending partially along the length of the second antenna (410), the third medium and the second medium having a second permittivity and a third permittivity respectively, the second permittivity and the third permittivity being other than the first permittivity,
wherein the difference between the first phase difference and the second phase difference is based at least in part on differences between the first permittivity and both the second and the third permittivity.
eine Vielzahl von Antennen, die jeweils konfiguriert sind, um eine Hauptstrahlenergie
abzustrahlen, so dass sich jeweilige Hauptstrahlen der Vielzahl von Antennen über
die Antennengruppe (400) addieren, die Vielzahl von Antennen umfassend eine erste
Antenne (420) und eine zweite Antenne (410), die erste Antenne (420) umfassend einen
ersten Wellenleiter (422) mit einer ersten Einspeisung (428), die konfiguriert ist,
um ein erstes Signal zu einer ersten Zeit zu empfangen, die erste Antenne (420) weiterhin
umfassend eine erste Vielzahl von Sendern einschließlich eines ersten Senders, wobei
der erste Wellenleiter (422) angeordnet ist, um das erste Signal zu der ersten Vielzahl
von Sendern fortzupflanzen,
wobei, von allen Sendern der ersten Vielzahl von Sendern, der erste Sender ein N-nächster
Sender zu der ersten Einspeisung (428) ist, wobei N eine positive ganze Zahl ist,
und
die zweite Antenne (410) umfassend einen zweiten Wellenleiter (412) mit einer zweiten Einspeisung (418), die konfiguriert ist, um ein zweites Signal zu der ersten Zeit zu empfangen, die zweite Antenne (410) weiterhin umfassend eine zweite Vielzahl von Sendern einschließlich eines zweiten Senders, wobei der zweite Wellenleiter (412) angeordnet ist, um das zweite Signal zu der zweiten Vielzahl von Sendern fortzupflanzen, wobei, von allen Sendern der zweiten Vielzahl von Sendern, der zweite Sender ein N-nächster Sender zu der zweiten Einspeisung (418) ist;
wobei sich eine erste Phasendifferenz zwischen dem ersten Signal, wenn bei der ersten Einspeisung (428), und dem zweiten Signal, wenn bei der zweiten Einspeisung (418), von einer zweiten Phasendifferenz zwischen dem ersten Signal, zu einer zweiten Zeit, wenn an dem ersten Sender, und dem zweiten Signal, zu der zweiten Zeit, wenn an dem zweiten Sender, unterscheidet,
wobei eine Differenz zwischen den ersten und zweiten Phasendifferenzen konfiguriert ist, um Nebenkeulen, die durch von der ersten und zweiten Antenne (410, 420) übertragene Signale erzeugt sind, abzuschwächen;
wobei die erste Antenne (420) ein eine erste Dielektrizitätskonstante aufweisendes erstes Medium (424), das in dem ersten Wellenleiter (422) angeordnet ist und sich entlang der gesamten Länge der ersten Antenne erstreckt, umfasst; und
wobei die zweite Antenne (410) ein zweites Medium (414) und ein drittes Medium (416), das sich teilweise entlang der Länge der zweiten Antenne erstreckt, umfasst, das dritte Medium und das zweite Medium aufweisend eine zweite Dielektrizitätskonstante beziehungsweise eine dritte Dielektrizitätskonstante, wobei sich die zweite Dielektrizitätskonstante und die dritte Dielektrizitätskonstante von der ersten Dielektrizitätskonstante unterscheiden; und
wobei die Differenz zwischen der ersten Phasendifferenz und der zweiten Phasendifferenz zumindest teilweise auf Differenzen zwischen der ersten Dielektrizitätskonstante und beiden von der zweiten und der dritten Dielektrizitätskonstante basiert.
eine Antennengruppe (400) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1; und
einen Verteiler (130), der mit der ersten Antenne (420) gekoppelt ist, der Verteiler umfassend Schaltungen, die konfiguriert sind, um ein drittes Signal in eine Vielzahl von Signalen, einschließlich des ersten Signals und des zweiten Signals, aufzuteilen.
Empfangen, zu einer ersten Zeit, ein erstes Signal an einer ersten Einspeisung (428) von einer ersten Antenne (420) einer Vielzahl von Antennen, die jeweils eine Hauptstrahlenergie abstrahlen, so dass sich jeweilige Hauptstrahlen der Vielzahl von Antennen über die Antennengruppe addieren;
Empfangen, zu der ersten Zeit, ein zweites Signal an einer zweiten Einspeisung (418) von einer zweiten Antenne (410) der Vielzahl von Antennen;
Fortpflanzung des ersten Signals durch einen ersten Wellenleiter (422) von der ersten Antenne (420) zu einer ersten Vielzahl von Sendern einschließlich eines ersten Senders der ersten Vielzahl von Sendern, wobei, von allen Sendern der ersten Vielzahl von Sendern, der erste Sender ein N-nächster Sender zu der ersten Einspeisung (428) ist, wobei N eine positive ganze Zahl ist; und
Fortpflanzung des zweiten Signals durch einen zweiten Wellenleiter (412) von der zweiten Antenne (410) zu einer zweiten Vielzahl von Sendern einschließlich eines zweiten Senders der zweiten Antenne (410), wobei, von allen Sendern der zweiten Vielzahl von Sendern, der zweite Sender ein N-nächster Sender zu der zweiten Einspeisung (418) ist,
wobei sich eine erste Phasendifferenz zwischen dem ersten Signal, wenn an der ersten Einspeisung (428), und dem zweiten Signal, wenn an der zweiten Einspeisung (418), von einer zweiten Phasendifferenz zwischen dem ersten Signal, zu einer zweiten Zeit, wenn an dem ersten Sender, und dem zweiten Signal, zu der zweiten Zeit, wenn an dem zweiten Sender, unterscheidet,
wobei eine Differenz zwischen der ersten und zweiten Phasendifferenz konfiguriert ist, um Nebenkeulen, die durch von der ersten und zweiten Antenne (410, 420) übertragene Signale erzeugt sind, abzuschwächen,
wobei die erste Antenne (420) ein eine erste Dielektrizitätskonstante aufweisendes erstes Medium (424), das in dem ersten Wellenleiter (422) angeordnet ist und sich entlang der gesamten Länge der ersten Antenne erstreckt, umfasst;
wobei die zweite Antenne (410) ein zweites Medium (414) und ein drittes Medium (416), das sich teilweise entlang der Länge der zweiten Antenne erstreckt, umfasst, das dritte Medium und das zweite Medium aufweisend eine zweite Dielektrizitätskonstante beziehungsweise eine dritte Dielektrizitätskonstante, wobei sich die zweite Dielektrizitätskonstante und die dritte Dielektrizitätskonstante von der ersten Dielektrizitätskonstante unterscheiden,
wobei die Differenz zwischen der ersten Phasendifferenz und der zweiten Phasendifferenz zumindest teilweise auf Differenzen zwischen der ersten Dielektrizitätskonstante und beiden von der zweiten und der dritten Dielektrizitätskonstante basiert.
une pluralité d'antennes qui sont chacune configurées pour émettre une énergie de faisceau principale, de sorte que des faisceaux principaux respectifs de la pluralité d'antennes s'additionnent à travers le réseau d'antennes (400), la pluralité d'antennes incluant une première antenne (420) et une deuxième antenne (410), la première antenne (420) incluant un premier guide d'ondes (422) avec une première entrée (428) configurée de manière à recevoir un premier signal à un premier instant, la première antenne (420) incluant en outre une première pluralité d'émetteurs incluant un premier émetteur, le premier guide d'ondes (422) étant agencé pour propager le premier signal vers la première pluralité d'émetteurs, dans lequel, parmi tous les émetteurs de la première pluralité d'émetteurs, le premier émetteur est un Nième émetteur le plus proche de la première entrée (428), dans lequel N est un nombre entier positif ; et
la deuxième antenne (410) incluant un deuxième guide d'ondes (412) avec une deuxième entrée (418) configurée de manière à recevoir un deuxième signal au premier instant, la deuxième antenne (410) incluant en outre une deuxième pluralité d'émetteurs incluant un deuxième émetteur, le deuxième guide d'ondes (412) étant agencé pour propager le deuxième signal vers la deuxième pluralité d'émetteurs, dans lequel, parmi tous les émetteurs de la deuxième pluralité d'émetteurs, le deuxième émetteur est un Nième émetteur le plus proche de la deuxième entrée (418) ;
dans lequel une première différence de phase entre le premier signal, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau de la première entrée (428), et le deuxième signal, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau de la deuxième entrée (418), est différente d'une deuxième différence de phase entre le premier signal, à un deuxième instant, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau du premier émetteur, et le deuxième signal, au deuxième instant, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau du deuxième émetteur ;
dans lequel une différence entre la première différence de phase et la deuxième différence de phase est configurée pour atténuer des lobes latéraux créés par des signaux transmis à partir des première et deuxième antennes (410, 420) ;
dans lequel la première antenne (420) comprend un premier milieu (424) présentant une première permittivité, disposé dans le premier guide d'ondes (422) et s'étendant sur toute la longueur de la première antenne ;
dans lequel la deuxième antenne (410) comprend un deuxième milieu (414) et un troisième milieu (416) s'étendant partiellement sur la longueur de la deuxième antenne, le troisième milieu et le deuxième milieu présentant respectivement une deuxième permittivité et une troisième permittivité, la deuxième permittivité et la troisième permittivité étant différentes de la première permittivité ; et
dans lequel la différence entre la première différence de phase et la deuxième différence de phase est basée au moins en partie sur des différences entre la première permittivité et, à la fois, la deuxième permittivité et la troisième permittivité.
un réseau d'antennes (400) selon la revendication 1 ; et
un séparateur (130) couplé à la première antenne (420), le séparateur comprenant un montage de circuits configuré pour séparer un troisième signal en une pluralité de signaux incluant le premier signal et le deuxième signal.
la réception, à un premier instant, d'un premier signal au niveau d'une première entrée (428) d'une première antenne (420) d'une pluralité d'antennes qui émettent chacune une énergie de faisceau principale, de sorte que des faisceaux principaux respectifs de la pluralité d'antennes s'additionnent à travers le réseau d'antennes ;
la réception, au premier instant, d'un deuxième signal au niveau d'une deuxième entrée (418) d'une deuxième antenne (410) de la pluralité d'antennes ;
la propagation du premier signal à travers un premier guide d'ondes (422) de la première antenne (420) vers une première pluralité d'émetteurs incluant un premier émetteur de la première pluralité d'émetteurs, dans lequel, parmi tous les émetteurs de la première pluralité d'émetteurs, le premier émetteur est un Nième émetteur le plus proche de la première entrée (428), dans lequel N est un nombre entier positif ; et
la propagation du deuxième signal à travers un deuxième guide d'ondes (412) de la deuxième antenne (410) vers une deuxième pluralité d'émetteurs incluant un deuxième émetteur de la deuxième antenne (410), dans lequel, parmi tous les émetteurs de la deuxième pluralité d'émetteurs, le deuxième émetteur est un Nième émetteur le plus proche de la deuxième entrée (418) ;
dans lequel une première différence de phase entre le premier signal, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau de la première entrée (428), et le deuxième signal, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau de la deuxième entrée (418), est différente d'une deuxième différence de phase entre le premier signal, à un deuxième instant, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau du premier émetteur, et le deuxième signal, au deuxième instant, lorsqu'il est situé au niveau du deuxième émetteur ;
dans lequel une différence entre la première différence de phase et la deuxième différence de phase est configurée pour atténuer des lobes latéraux créés par des signaux transmis à partir des première et deuxième antennes (410, 420) ;
dans lequel la première antenne (420) comprend un premier milieu (424) présentant une première permittivité, disposé dans le premier guide d'ondes (422) et s'étendant sur toute la longueur de la première antenne ;
dans lequel la deuxième antenne (410) comprend un deuxième milieu (414) et un troisième milieu (416) s'étendant partiellement sur la longueur de la deuxième antenne (410), le troisième milieu et le deuxième milieu présentant respectivement une deuxième permittivité et une troisième permittivité, la deuxième permittivité et la troisième permittivité étant différentes de la première permittivité ;
dans lequel la différence entre la première différence de phase et la deuxième différence de phase est basée au moins en partie sur des différences entre la première permittivité et, à la fois, la deuxième permittivité et la troisième permittivité.
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This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description